Mauritius 'Post Office' 1d Red and 2d Blue

Mauritius · 1847 · 1d Red, 2d Blue

The Mauritius 'Post Office' issue features a profile of Queen Victoria and is one of the most famous and sought-after stamp series in the world. The stamps were locally produced by engraver Joseph Barnard and mistakenly inscribed with 'Post Office' instead of the intended 'Post Paid'. This error, present on the initial printing of 500 of each value, created an instant classic of philately.

Issued under British colonial rule, these were the first stamps produced within the British Empire outside of Great Britain itself. They were created for use on invitations to a fancy dress ball hosted by the Governor's wife, Lady Gomm.